The Dragons have appointed Dai Flanagan as their new head coach, with the former fly-half coming on board from the Scarlets. Dean Ryan is staying on as Director of Rugby, taking on more of an overseeing role.
The 36-year-old Caerphilly-born Flanagan, who had playing spells with Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys and Pontypridd, has been backs coach at the Scarlets since 2019 and has also been involved helping out with Wales under Wayne Pivac.
Commenting on his new job, he said: “I’m excited to be joining Dragons and putting my mark on the team and how we play. I’m keen to build on the foundations that have been put in place and enhance and develop our performances.
Read next: Wales coach set to leave Wayne Pivac's management team to join Scarlets
“I started my career back at Newport High School, working with the likes of Leon Brown and Joe Davies in the Dragons Academy set-up, so it’s a fantastic prospect to come home to work with those boys again and help make them better.
“I’ve been involved with Scarlets for eight years in several roles, including heading up the coaching team when the opportunity arose, so I leave with memories of an unbelievable rugby journey.
“I’d like to thank Dwayne (Peel) and the Scarlets for allowing me to take up this opportunity and also all the staff and players, I can’t thank them enough. From the likes of Rhys Priestland and Regan King when I first joined, to Scott Williams and Steff Hughes, who are so knowledgeable about the game. I’ve had great support and wish them all well.”
Dragons chairman David Buttress said: “We’re delighted that Dai joins us ahead of next season and that a proud Gwent man, and one of the most innovative coaching talents in Wales, will get to work with the talented squad and coaching team we have assembled.
“Our thanks go to our friends at Scarlets for their understanding and working with us to ensure Dai can take up this opportunity at this stage in his career.”
Scarlets General Manager Jon Daniels added: “Dai has been a valued member of our coaching pathway and then senior team since he joined the Scarlets eight years ago.
“Since we became aware that Dai was being considered for the role of head coach at Dragons and that he was keen to embrace this opportunity, both the Scarlets and Dragons have been able to work together to allow a talented young Welsh coach the chance to take up this position.
“We’d like to thank Dai for his commitment to the Scarlets and wish him well for the next chapter in his career.”
Meanwhile, former Scotland international fly-half Gordon Ross is leaving the Dragons, with his contract not being renewed. He has been backs coach since the summer of 2020 when he came on board from Worcester.
